Duration
8-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
8-Day Omo Valley & Danakil Depression Adventure
Overview
Discover two of Ethiopia's most extraordinary destinations on this journey through the cultural heart of the Omo Valley and the dramatic landscapes of the Danakil Depression. Meet diverse tribal communities, experience authentic traditions, explore active volcanoes, colorful geothermal fields, vast salt flats, and witness one of the world's few active lava lakes. This tour combines cultural immersion, adventure, photography, and breathtaking scenery for a truly unique Ethiopian experience.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Jinka (Lower Omo Valley), Turmi (Lower Omo Valley), Arba Minch (City)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
game drives & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Nasa Hotel Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Meals at Own Expense - Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Meals at Own Expense
Meals
Meals at Own Expense; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
n/a* USD
$3,036 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
n/a* USD
$3,300 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
n/a* USD
$3,630 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
This tour is not available to solo travelers.
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour is unavailable for children.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 1
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 2-3
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 4
Arba Minch (City)
Day 5
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 6
Hamad Ela (Village)
Day 7
Mekele (City)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 8)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and lodges.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Not for solo travelers
Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives & nature hikes/walks
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Nasa Hotel Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Meals at Own Expense
Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Meals at Own Expense
Meals at Own Expense
Day 2-3
Paradise Lodge Turmi Budget tented camp near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included +4 Photos +3 Photos
Budget tented camp near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 4
Paradise Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Arba Minch (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Mid-range camping Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Planet Hotel
Budget hotel in Mekele (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Addis Ababa – Jinka – Mursi Tribe
Early in the morning, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Jinka. Upon arrival around 9:00 AM, meet your guide and begin the drive to Mago National Park to visit the famous Mursi tribe. The Mursi are among the most iconic ethnic groups in the Omo Valley, well known for their traditional lip plates, body decorations, and strong cultural identity. Spend time exploring the village, interacting with the local community, and learning about their unique traditions and daily lifestyle. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife of southern Ethiopia. Accommodation: Nassa Hotel – Jinka. Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals at own expense Drinking water & spirits/liquor (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Nasa Hotel Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Meals at own expense Drinking water & spirits/liquor (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Jinka – Turmi
After breakfast, drive south through the stunning landscapes of the Omo Valley toward Turmi. En route, visit the Ari and Benna tribes, each with their own distinctive traditions, clothing, and way of life. The Ari people are known for their agriculture and local handicrafts, while the Benna maintain strong pastoral traditions. Continue to Turmi, the cultural center of the Hamer tribe. The Hamer people are famous for their elaborate hairstyles, colorful beads, traditional dances, and unique ceremonies such as the bull-jumping ritual. Accommodation: Paradise Lodge – Turmi. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Paradise Lodge Turmi Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Turmi – Karo & Nyangatom Tribes – Turmi
Today is dedicated to cultural exploration and tribal visits in the lower Omo Valley. Begin with a visit to the Karo tribe, one of the smallest ethnic groups in the region, renowned for their incredible body painting, scarification art, and riverside villages overlooking the Omo River. Continue to visit the Nyangatom tribe, a semi-nomadic community known for their traditional lifestyle, colorful ornaments, and strong cultural heritage. Later, return to Turmi and visit a Hamer village for a deeper cultural experience and interaction with the local people. This day offers exceptional opportunities for cultural photography and learning about the diversity of Ethiopia’s tribal communities. Accommodation: Paradise Lodge – Turmi. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Paradise Lodge Turmi Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Turmi – Konso – Arba Minch
After breakfast, begin the drive north through beautiful landscapes toward Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its terraced farming system and unique cultural traditions. Visit one of the traditional Konso villages and learn about their fascinating social structure, wooden statues, and ancient agricultural practices. After lunch, continue driving to Arba Minch, a scenic town surrounded by lush vegetation and known for its beautiful lakes and natural beauty. Accommodation: Paradise Lodge – Arba Minch. Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks & spirits/liquor (Beer and wine not included)
Destination: Arba Minch (City) Stay: Paradise Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks & spirits/liquor (Beer and wine not included)
Day 5
Arba Minch – Addis Ababa – Semera – Erta Ale
This morning, fly from Arba Minch to Addis Ababa and connect with your domestic flight to Semera in the Afar Region. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin the drive through the dramatic landscapes of the Afar Region toward Erta Ale Volcano. Along the way, enjoy views of vast desert plains, lava fields, and rugged volcanic scenery. During the drive, keep an eye out for desert wildlife, including Dorcas gazelles, Soemmerring’s gazelles, desert foxes, jackals, ostriches, and a variety of birds adapted to the arid environment. After an early dinner at the base camp, begin the evening trek to the summit of Erta Ale, one of the few continuously active lava lakes in the world. Witness the glowing lava and spectacular volcanic scenery under the night sky. Accommodation: Camping near Erta Ale. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Erta Ale – Hamedela
After sunrise at the volcano, descend back to the camp for breakfast and continue driving toward Hamedela, the gateway to the Danakil Depression. Along the route, enjoy scenic drives across the vast salt flats and volcanic deserts. Wildlife sightings may include gazelles, desert birds, and camel caravans moving across the landscape. Visit traditional Afar settlements and learn about the nomadic lifestyle of the Afar people. Arrive in Hamedela in the late afternoon and enjoy the surreal desert scenery and sunset over Lake Asale, where large flocks of waterbirds can often be observed. Overnight camping at Hamedela. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Hamad Ela (Village) Stay: Mid-range camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Dallol – Mekele
Early in the morning, drive to Dallol to explore one of the planet’s most surreal natural wonders. Discover colorful sulfur springs, mineral formations, salt canyons, geothermal pools, and vibrant hydrothermal landscapes created by volcanic activity. Visit the traditional salt mining areas where local Afar workers extract salt blocks by hand and transport them by camel caravans across the desert. After the excursion, continue driving to Mekele. Accommodation: Hotel – Mekele. Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Mekele (City) Stay: Planet Hotel Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
Mekele – Addis Ababa
Morning flight from Mekele back to Addis Ababa. Depending on your international departure schedule, enjoy a city tour in Addis Ababa, including optional sightseeing, shopping, museums, or cultural experiences. In the evening, attend a traditional farewell dinner with Ethiopian music and dance performances before your transfer to the international airport for departure. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Ethiopian Photography Tours
5.0 operator rating
6 reviews
We are a private Ethiopian tour company, established in October 2015, specializing in personalized and unforgettable travel experiences. With an experienced and friendly team, we design seamless journeys tailored to your interests, bringing Ethiopia’s rich history, culture, and landscapes to life.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2015)
Tour Types
Specialized photographic safaris (Mid-range & luxury)
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Ethiopian Safari at its best
I can highly recommend Ethiopian Photography Tours. I’ve travelled with them three times over the years, and each experience has been consistently excellent. They are trustworthy and very flexible when it comes to designing tailored private itineraries, and they provide a high level of service throughout. Their experience in organising photography-focused trips really shows. If you’re considering a trip, I suggest contacting Mulie directly.
JB F · Switzerland
Excelent guide
I loved how Mule showed me around. He is very kind, professional, well prepared, and honest guide. I really recomand him!
Alexandru Petolescu · Romania
Wonderful
Beautiful experience with Mulei We travel to south to see the tribes and to north. I recommend Mulei because every is safe with him. He understood what you want to do. Everything was good. The tour as we ask. He knows a lot of things and the price for the car with the driver and mulei is ok And the more important thing it is safety
Myriam Benhayon · Spain
Great knowledge of egions, ethnic groups, culture, food, music and more.
Great operation. Mulugeta (Mulu) seamlessly handled my air travel and lodging accommodations at nice places with reduced rates. He has an impressive breadth of knowledge of the various regions, ethnic groups, culture, food, music and more. Highly recommend using him and his team for making this trip and my last one providing unforgettable experiences that Ethiopia has to offer.
Ramalaka · Greece
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour is unavailable for children.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Nasa Hotel Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Meals at Own Expense - Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Meals at Own Expense. Meals: Meals at Own Expense
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Ethiopian Photography Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Ethiopian Photography Tours.
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